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December 1941: This month last century

Seventy one years ago, New Zealand declares war on Japan after the bombing of the US naval bases at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii (8 December 1941)

The bombing of Pearl Harbour set the Pacific War in motion. This event and Japan’s subsequent expansion through the Philippines, Thailand and the Malaysian peninsula, followed by the capture of the strategic British naval base at Singapore in February 1942 and the bombing of Darwin in northern Australia, intensified fears that New Zealand would also be attacked.

The leaders of New Zealand, the USA and Great Britain came to an agreement that they would stay there while American troops were deployed to the Pacific. New Zealand would be used as their base for staging operations as well as training, picking up supplies and ‘R&R’ (rest and recreation) for troops.

Tens of thousands of Americans found themselves living in camps in New Zealand between June 1942 and mid-1944. Crown Lynn manufactured virtually indestructible plates, mugs and bowls, like this one, for the Americans to use while they were there.

Many of the camps were located near main centres of population, and troops came into regular with locals who provided home comforts, and hospitality and entertainment in venues like the club in the photo, which was set up by the Red Cross in Masterton. This club’s cafeteria catered to American tastes by adding hamburgers and cheeseburgers on its menu.

Romance often blossomed between New Zealand women and the glamorous visitors. Around 1500 women married an American sweetheart. Ada Menzies might have been included this number, except that her American fiancé, First Lieutenant Hugh Leidel, died from wounds at Tarawa in the Pacific in November 1943 – a month after their engagement.